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Pediatric dentistry and dental prophylaxis

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Perception of smile aesthetics in children

https://doi.org/10.33925/1683-3031-2025-962

Abstract

Relevance. Smile aesthetics influence self-esteem and social interaction in both children and adults. Do preschool and early school-age children notice dentoalveolar anomalies? Can misaligned teeth affect a child’s social life?

Objective. To evaluate the perception of smile aesthetics among preschool and early school-age children.

Materials and methods. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 155 children aged 3–10 years. The survey involved showing photographs of smiles with different tooth alignment patterns.

Results. We found that even the youngest participants distinguished attractive from unattractive smiles. Perception of smile aesthetics was associated with sex, age, and prior awareness of dental aesthetics.

Conclusion. The study identified groups of children who were more critical of smile aesthetics: girls, school-aged children, and those with greater awareness.

About the Authors

A. B. Slabkovskaya
Russian University of Medicine
Russian Federation

Anna B. Slabkovskaya, DMD, PhD, DSc, Professor, Head of the Department of Orthodontics

Moscow



N. V. Morozova
Russian University of Medicine
Russian Federation

Natalya V. Morozova, DMD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of the Orthodontics

Moscow



R. R. Magomedov
Russian University of Medicine
Russian Federation

Radzhab R. Magomedov, DMD, Assistant Professor, Department of the Orthodontics

Moscow



A. A. Drobyshev
Federal Medical Biophysical Center named after A.I. Burnazyan
Russian Federation

Artem A. Drobyshev, DMD, Resident, Department of the Oral Surgery, Medical and Biological University of Innovation

Moscow



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Review

For citations:


Slabkovskaya A.B., Morozova N.V., Magomedov R.R., Drobyshev A.A. Perception of smile aesthetics in children. Pediatric dentistry and dental prophylaxis. 2025;25(2). (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33925/1683-3031-2025-962

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ISSN 1683-3031 (Print)
ISSN 1726-7218 (Online)